By admin 
An Australian nurse has been charged with issuing death threats and other serious offences after a video surfaced, allegedly showing hospital staff discussing harming and refusing treatment to Israeli patients.
On Wednesday, New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed that a 26-year-old woman had been charged with three offences, including threatening violence against a group and using a communication service to issue death threats.
Tight Bail Conditions Imposed
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that the accused, identified in local media as Sarah Abu Lebdeh, is banned from leaving Australia or using social media as part of “very, very strict” bail conditions.
She is scheduled to appear in court in Sydney on March 19.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The case follows the circulation of a video earlier this month in which two hospital staff members in Sydney appeared to boast about harming Israeli patients. The footage, widely shared on social media, led to strong condemnation.
In an online video chat, Abu Lebdeh allegedly told an Israeli content creator, Max Veifer, that she would deny treatment to Israeli patients and would kill them.
Additionally, the footage appeared to show a male hospital worker stating that he had sent many Israeli patients to “Jahannam” (hell in Arabic).
Local reports identified the male staff member as Ahmad Rashad Nadir, but authorities have not charged him in connection with the incident.
Healthcare Ban and Government Response
As a result of the incident, health authorities have permanently barred both individuals from working in healthcare in any capacity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the video, calling it “disgusting, sickening, and shameful”.
Despite the disturbing footage, health officials have stated that there is no evidence of any patients being directly harmed.
Rising Tensions and Hate Crimes in Australia
Australia has seen a surge in hate crimes in recent months, including anti-Semitic incidents, an alleged bomb plot, and arson attacks on synagogues.
Advocacy groups report an increase in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks following the Hamas-Israel conflict that escalated on October 7, 2023.
Gill Bikram Singh